Guwahati: The Rubber Board of India (RBI) and Nagaland’s Department of Land Resources (DoLR) signed an agreement on January 9, 2026, to set up a Nodal Centre of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) at Rüzaphema in Chümoukedima district.
NIRT and the Rubber Board of India signed the MoU during the institute’s Silver Jubilee celebrations at the Rubber Research Institute (RRI) in Kottayam, Kerala,commemorating 25 years of advancing skills and strengthening expertise in the rubber sector.
The collaboration is expected promote skill-building, research, and growth initiatives to unlock Nagaland’s significant opportunities in rubber farming.
George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying; Chandy Oommen, MLA; M. Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of RBI; Dr. Siju T, Rubber Production Commissioner; Priya Varma, NIRT Director; former NIRT directors; and senior RBI officials attended the ceremony.
The Additional Director of Nagaland’s Department of Land Resources called the agreement a milestone for the state’s agriculture and rural economy.
He noted that although over four lakh hectares in Nagaland are suitable for rubber farming, only around 20,000 hectares have been developed so far.
He added that boosting rubber cultivation could increase rural incomes, generate employment, and promote sustainable land use, while also benefiting the local environment.
The partnership reflects a shared effort to enhance skills and support rural communities, while also strengthening the collaboration between DoLR and RBI.
The initiative is expected to help Nagaland achieve its “three Es”: Ecology, Employment, and Economy, by promoting modern farming techniques, building local skills, and linking production to markets in the rubber sector.